Love And Black History

Five days into one of my favorite months and I've yet to write a blog post. If you've been a frequent reader of my blog, then you know how much I love love. Love is just as necessary to life as is food, water, and air. This month I'm going to challenge myself to post about any and every topic related to love. These topics will range from something I love to relationships, and maybe even rants about relationships.

To kick off my challenge I just wanted to share that I LOVE being black. I probably wouldn't change this about me for anything in the world well maybe to obtain a job . To be black to me is to be strong and innovative. I mean think about it. My race has dealt with and still dealing with very difficult challenges. Even with all of the loops and turns that life has dealt us, we have still been able to be innovative and set trends; and I'm definitely not speaking about clothing, music, or hair. I do hope that as a race we can all embrace the 'culture' that is a start acting and behaving as the Kings and Queens that we were before being brought to the USA. Luckily for me, I was raised amongst educators who taught me about the works of black people. Black history has never been a monthly lesson but a lesson 365 days a year. However, since it is black history month, I decided to do a monthly challenge on Instagram where I post pictures daily about black history. Now in the past, I never completed a day over day 3. Fortunately, I've been doing really well so far.  If you're interested in learning more about black history, I encourage you to follow me on Instagram (Akakristin) and also participate in the challenge.

Fab, Fun, Food- The Fresh Market

For the past 3 months that I've lived in Alexandria, I've seen a coming soon sign for The Fresh Market. Today the wait was over and I got to experience everything that The Fresh Market is and isn't. If I had to compare it to anything, it would be a toss up between Whole Foods and Wegman's. I didn't throw in my FAV Trader Joes because I feel as if they are on a different playing field. Now I love Trader Joes, Lord knows I do; but the ambiance they lack Wegman's and The Fresh Market have. However even with the ambiance, I'm not sooo sure that The Fresh Market will be able to pull me away.  

The Fresh Market provides the vibe of a neighborhood grocer combined with an upscale swag (think Take Home Chef). Unfortunately, I think The Fresh Market misses the mark a bit because they don't provide an area to actually eat inside and enjoy all if the wonderfulness prepared. 

Since I'm notorious for hash tagging specialty stores before my visit, I did just that with The Fresh Market.  From my findings last night, I knew that I'd have to keep an eye open for their edible cookie dough, Red Velvet whoopie pies, and their salted caramel crispie cookies. Anything other than those items were just the icing on the cake. In my eyes The Fresh Market takes a bronze medal in regard to Wegman's and Trader Joes. I can definitely see myself going back for items to make specific recipes, but I don't actually see myself doing the bulk of my grocery shopping there. 

Here's just a piece of the grand opening experience that I witnessed:

I really should have picked up the Peppermint Lemonade, it's definitely on the list for the next time.

I always have time for an impromptu wine tasting, and does it hurt to have cute packaging? Each bottle of wine is Sal's art which spreads love, goodwill and positive energy throughout the world.

My love for Red Velvet is real so the whoopie pies went home with me.

I was literally like a kid in a candy store, sooo much to see and taste!!!

The curry chicken salad just kept calling me!!! It would have been a 10 but the almonds kinda messed it up for me, so it was an 8 lol.

After this sample, I knew this crunchy shrimp and crab sushi had to come home with me.

Fab, Fun, Food- Arlington and 14th St.

Do you know what I love more than shopping? Hint, it starts with a nice restaurant, tasty drinks, and a banging entree. Yep, you got it, eating out and trying new food and restaurants is one of my guilty pleasures. I am definitely a self-proclaimed foodie. This past weekend a friend if mine who's also a foodie came to visit and we had an amazing time over food and drinks. Just a little look into my fabulous food filled weekend. 

All of that food over the course of 2 days and for the most part it was all great!!! I also had a chance to discover a new market in DC. Another FAV past time of mine is lane lurking (basically walking the aisles of supermarkets to see what's new). Take a look at this cute wine/mini market that I stumbled upon. I can definitely see myself coming back here for any of there goodies. 

I had to get the fresh milk, something about having milk in a bottle made me forget all about being lactose intolerant. And of course what's milk without a cookie. Let me know if there are any cool, cute, yet tasty and flavorful restaurants around that I should try.

Californ-I-a

This week I had the pleasure of venturing to the west coast (LA to be exact) for the very first time. I wish you all knew my excitement to visit a new area and see new things. It's sooo funny how a change of scenery can change your outlook. I believe that this particular trip did that for me. I returned back to work refreshed, in a better mood, and a new outlook on the future (go me). 

It was also good to get away from the cold DC weather and into some sun!!! I didn't get to do everything that I wanted to do but I really hope I get that chance to explore more at Coachella (I am claiming that I'll be there to see Outkast). 

My first stop of the trip was Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. It was everything and then some!!! I had the #9 The Obama Special (3 wings and a waffle) with a Sunrise (lemonade and orange juice mixture) on the side. This was sooo good that I went back a second time. 

Afterwards I cruised through Beverly Hills for some window shopping.

Finally, we were able to visit the Beverly Connection that housed all of my FAV stores: Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Target, and CVS. I was in a bargain shoppers heaven!!! The City Target there was beautiful!!! There was this super cute sequin 2 piece that's on my list of things to get. I was also amazed at how they just let dogs walk in the stores with their owners; kinda made me miss Lyric.

Afterwards, I headed to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There was sooo much going on in the area.

The main reason of the trip was to attend the Championship game between Auburn and Florida State. Being in the atmosphere with all of the super alumni/fans makes me wish I would have attended a D-1 school. I also wish I would have taken a few 'street style pics'. There were sooo many cute navy and orange outfits. You definitely have to be a fashionista to make orange jeans look good. Florida State and Auburn both played awesome... Still, War Eagle!!!

My last day of the trip was spent in San Diego, since I couldn't fly out of LA. I enjoyed a bit more sun and some really good seafood.

My time on the west coast was short, but it definitely was a good getaway. I hope that this trip is a start to all things wonderful in 2014. 

Dear LA,

I hope that when I meet you again, I'll be in a drop top cruising the scene, wearing vintage shorts and a band tee. I hope that you'll allow me to walk your beaches and dine in some of your exclusive restaurants. 

Sincerely,

Missing Californ-I-a